Indulging In Dark Chocolate- Healthy Or Not?

Chocolates are prepared from cocoa beans that are loaded with natural antioxidants and trace minerals. Depending upon the proportion used, there are different types of chocolates, of which dark chocolates are considered the best as they contain the highest percentage of cocoa solids.

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) maintains that dark chocolates, also known as plain or black chocolates, should contain 35% or more chocolate liquor (contains cocoa solids and cocoa butter) and less than 12% milk solids.

They tend to have a more prominent flavor and bitter aftertaste. European dark chocolates usually have a higher proportion of cocoa products as compared to the ones produced in the US.

Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate

Being rich in antioxidants, dark chocolate is considered healthy for your heart as it protects against cardiovascular disease. Moreover, it reduces the chances of developing certain types of cancers, too.

Therefore, consuming dark chocolates in a smart way can help you lose weight. Plus, it relieves aches and pains as it releases endorphins in the brain.

Needless to say, eating dark chocolate also improves general alertness and makes you feel good as it promotes increased blood flow to key areas of the brain.

Cocoa beans have powerful neurotransmitters such as serotonin and tryptophan that stabilize your mood. Besides, dark chocolate contains a cannabinoid called anandamide that creates feelings of comfort and happiness.

Dark chocolate should not be over processed, though, as it tends to lower its flavanols. It is believed that cocoa flavanols can protect against mental decline and reduce the liklihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Here’s a video giving information on the health benefits of dark chocolate.You need to a flashplayer enabled browser to view this YouTube video

Besides, it may result in rapid weight gain due to high amount of calories in cocoa butter and other ingredients that are added in the chocolate.

Consequently, its fat and calorie content can counteract its various health benefits. A single serving, that is, 37 g of dark chocolate is likely to have 170 calories.

Moreover, you should avoid overindulgence in this treat as it can prove to be mildly addictive due to its psychoactive compounds (theobromine, in particular) that work as stimulants. Theobromine, though is also associated with benefits like suppressing cough and hardening the tooth enamel.

Thus, you can derive its nutritional benefits by having one to one and a half ounces of dark chocolate a few times in a week.

Plus, make sure you opt for the one that does not contain nougat, caramel, nuts, and other fillings and flavorings. The daily dietary recommendation for the intake of dark chocolate has not been determined so far.